DNA Favorites Blog

This is Richard Hill, founder of DNA Favorites. I don't write long, detailed blogs. My blogging style matches that of my website: clear, concise summaries with links to learn more.

I typically share these posts to my DNA Favorites Facebook page and to my RichardHillDNA accounts on Bluesky, X,and LinkedIn. You can follow me in whatever medium you prefer.

Apr 29, 2026

An Interview with Roberta Estes

DNA expert Roberta Estes is a prolific blogger. Here she shares how genetic genealogy uncovered surprises and solved long-standing mysteries in her family tree.

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Apr 27, 2026

DNA Test Confirms Patriot Ancestor

On the 250th anniversary of the United States, a DNA test led this man to a Revolutionary War ancestor.

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Apr 24, 2026

Autosomal DNA Database Growth Chart

Leah Larkin tracks the growth of autosomal DNA databases. Her latest update shares the numbers and explains the trends.

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Apr 22, 2026

Compare the Best DNA Tests for Genealogy

An independent comparison of the strengths and limitations of the top five DNA testing companies.

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Apr 20, 2026

7 Myths About DNA Testing

Many people hesitate to take a DNA test because of assumptions that simply aren’t true. Find the truth here.

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Apr 17, 2026

Korean Adoptees and DNA

Overseas South Korean adoptees struggle to reconnect with their roots decades after adoption. DNA tests are a huge help.

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Apr 15, 2026

Clustering vs Triangulation: What's the Difference?

Each genetic genealogy tool has unique strengths and some drawbacks. Here's a concise summary and comparison.

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Apr 13, 2026

A DNA Detective Interview

Michelle Leonard uncovers the truth about ancestry, even when it is painful. I met her when I did a DNA presentation in England. A great interview!

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Apr 10, 2026

DNA Test Uncovers IVF Embryo MIx-Up

Twins born 30 years ago take a DNA test and discover a bombshell truth about their parents.

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Apr 08, 2026

Useful Facebook Groups for DNA Testers

Facebook is the epicenter for discussions about DNA testing. Here are some of the most useful DNA Facebook groups organized by category.

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Apr 06, 2026

DNA Relatives Clustering at 23andMe

Here's a new way to map genetic connections at 23andMe. Track down shared ancestors and visualize family branches. 23andMe+plus Premium™ members only.

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Apr 03, 2026

MyHeritage Traits Video

If you generate a Traits report from your MyHeritage DNA test, you can create a traits video using AI that humorously highlights some of your traits. Here is mine. #MyHeritage #MyHeritageDNA

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Apr 01, 2026

NextGen Sequencing Comes to Genealogy

MyHeritage and FamilyTreeDNA are pioneering new technology for autosomal DNA testing with two different approaches. Learn more in this blog post.

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Mar 30, 2026

Free Book on Segmentology Fundamentals

Download segmentology expert Jim Bartlett's new book on the ISOGG website. It flows from “What is a Segment?” to Clustering and Triangulation and beyond.

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Mar 27, 2026

New MyHeritage Tools Introduced at RootsTech

Watch the MyHeritage Founder and CEO share the latest developments in family trees, historical records, DNA, and AI to help users make discoveries and better understand their family history.

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Mar 20, 2026

An Introduction to Genetics

23andMe has a Genetics Learning Hub that includes a helpful introduction to the genetic concepts behind genetic genealogy.

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Mar 18, 2026

Adoptees Facing Deportation

Through no fault of their own, many adoptees can be deported. As an adoptee myself, I find this a terrifying example.

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Mar 16, 2026

The World’s Largest mtDNA Haplotree

This update highlights the current state of the mtDNA haplotree, including overall branch growth, notable haplogroups, and newly added ancient connections.

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Mar 13, 2026

Sex-Based Interbreeding with Neanderthals

New research shows that interbreeding occurred predominantly between Neanderthal males and anatomically modern human females rather than the other way around.

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Mar 11, 2026

China's National DNA Database

Lost at a Chinese railway station at age 4, now 28-year-old Zhang Yunpeng reunited with his father through this DNA database.

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Mar 09, 2026

DNA Resources for Adoptees

Learn how to find birth parents and siblings through DNA testing. Explore more than 75 links to adoptee resources.

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Mar 05, 2026

A Fascinating Story of DNA Discoveries

Rebecca's DNA testing uncovered one surprise after another with an eventual happy ending.

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Mar 03, 2026

Big Change to Family Finder

The Family Finder DNA test at FamilyTreeDNA has transitioned to a next-generation sequencing panel for improved accuracy and consistency.

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Feb 27, 2026

Artifact DNA Testing for Genealogy

How to obtain the DNA of deceased ancestors through items that still contain samples of their DNA.

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Feb 25, 2026

MyHeritage Whole Genome Sequencing

Roberta Estes compares the new low-pass Whole Genome Sequencing test with prior results.

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